DE102007009292A1 - Videoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

Video endoscope (10) comprises an electrical connection (36) having a flexible narrow conductor plate (40) extending in its longitudinal direction with conducting pathways. Preferred Features: The conductor plate is a first conductor plate and the electrical connection has a second conductor plate with conducting pathways. The two conductor plates lies over each other and move relative to each other.

Description

The The invention relates to a video endoscope, with a longitudinal axis having elongate shaft and a handpiece at the proximal end of the shaft, being at a distal end of the shaft a lens and an electronic on the proximal side of the lens Image sensor are arranged, wherein the image sensor via an electrical connection extending along the shaft with an arranged in the region of the handpiece electrical Connection is connected, and wherein the imager and the connector relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the shaft rotated are.

Such a video endoscope is off DE 201 13 031 U1 known.

One Video endoscope is an observational instrument used in the medical Endoscopy is used. By using a video endoscope can be within the framework of minimally invasive surgery body regions both about natural body openings as well as surgically created artificial incisions to reach. In endoscopes, a distinction is generally made between those whose elongated shaft is rigid and those whose elongated Shank is flexible. The present invention can be use with both rigid video endoscopes and flexible video endoscopes.

One Video endoscope is a special genus of endoscopes in which image capture and image forwarding rather than over Lens system or an ordered fiberglass bundle realized an electronic image sensor and electrical cables is.

by virtue of today's availability of miniaturized electronic Image sensor, for example in CCD or CMOS technology, it is possible, the electronic image sensor in the distal end to arrange the shaft. The image of the observed object The image sensor is effected via a distal side of the electronic image sensor arranged lens. The electronic Imager converts the received photons into electrical signals around, over one or more electrical lines, the from the imager through the shaft to the handpiece extend the video endoscope, proximal to an electrical Connection will be directed. About the electrical connection the video endoscope is connected by means of a cable with an image processing unit including monitor connected, taking on the monitor the image captured by the imager is displayed. The electric Connection extending through the shaft also serves also for controlling and supplying power to the distal image sensor.

at Video endoscopes with a distal electronic image sensor is the Orientation of the physician regarding the one shown on the monitor Video image complicates when the video endoscope during the Observation of a body area around its longitudinal axis is turned. Namely, if the imager is relative to Shaft rotationally fixed, the image sensor is at a rotation of the Videosendoscope rotated about its longitudinal axis, which inevitably to Rotation of the image on the monitor leads.

This Orientation problem is in video endoscopes whose lens is a Straight-ahead or so-called 0 ° -Optik, by Markings on the handle and monitor image manageable.

serious However, this problem is in video endoscopes, whose Objectively an oblique view optics, for example a 30 ° -, 45 ° or 90 ° optics. On a turn of a video endoscope with oblique view optics about its longitudinal axis changes Both the line of sight and the orientation of the visual field in relation to the top, bottom, right and left. Even with marks on the handle of the video endoscope and in the monitor image may be the Doctor not sure spatially in the observed body area orientate.

Out For this reason, concepts have been proposed with which a picture erection the monitor image is enabled, so that the monitor image is always a defined orientation in relation to the top, bottom, right and owns left.

One of these concepts is to rotate the monitor itself. A monitor rotation is possible, but requires complex electromechanical structures, which are to be regarded critically in the operating environment. In addition, the usual 4: 3 and 16: 9 (HDTV) image size ratio for a mechanical or an analog-electronic rotation over the beam deflection, as in EP 7 12 289 A1 described, little suitable.

Another concept is to rotate the image displayed on the monitor by means of image processing, such as in US 5,313,306 is described. However, the image formation by means of digital image processing has the disadvantage that no full-format 4: 3 image can be rotated without loss of information. Only the central incircle in 3: 3 square can be rotated without loss of information. However, the doctors working with video endoscopes are familiar with format-filling images, in particular in laparoscopy (abdominal surgery), with the corresponding format-filling image information and do not want to do without them.

The third image erection concept, of which the present invention emanating, is to make the electronic image sensor rotatable. With a rotation of the video endoscope about its longitudinal axis The imager can be used to maintain a specific orientation a rotation relative to the shaft and the shaft fixed lens spatially fixed being held. The imager is thereby removed from the lens decoupled, which is especially true with an oblique view lens is beneficial.

The Rotatability of the image sensor relative to the shaft and thus also to the proximal electrical connection, however, presents other challenges to the video endoscope, in particular to the electrical connection between the imager and the proximal electrical connector.

at a rotation of the image sensor relative to the shaft becomes inevitable the at least one electrical connection between the imager and the electrical connection is twisted when the electrical connection rotatably relative to the proximal end of the handpiece of the shaft.

In the above document DE 201 13 031 U1 the electrical connection between the image sensor and the electrical connection is realized by a multi-core cable. Since in a video endoscope with angled-view optics, the rotatability of the image pickup clockwise and counterclockwise by 180 ° should be possible, the multi-core cable is correspondingly strongly stressed to torsion. After a certain number of load changes and / or after several sterilizations in an autoclave, the cable tends to break, which adversely reduces the life of the video endoscope.

To solve this problem is in DE 201 13 031 U1 proposed to provide a sliding contact at the proximal end of the cable, so that the cable can be rotated together with the image sensor torsion-free about its longitudinal axis relative to the electrical connection. However, this solution has the disadvantage that it is structurally very complex and beyond is prone to failure.

One Another disadvantage of the embodiment of the electrical connection By means of a multi-core cable is the high cost in the production of the video endoscope because each vein individually with the imager must be contacted, which is particularly the miniaturized Design of the image recorder made difficult.

From the document US 6,488,631 B2 An ultrasound endoscope is disclosed in which the electrical connection between distally arranged ultrasound transducers and proximal connection in the region of a distal bending point of the endoscope is realized by a multiplicity of flexible printed circuit boards cut from a tube. By contrast, the electronic image recorder of this endoscope is electrically connected to the proximal connection by means of a multicore cable.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a video endoscope of the beginning mentioned type to further develop that the electrical connection between the imager and the electrical connection with low Effort and therefore designed in a cost effective manner is, in addition, fatigue-proof and the life of the video endoscope is increased accordingly.

According to the invention this task in terms of the aforementioned video endoscope thereby solved that the electrical connection at least one in itself rotatable about its longitudinal direction flexible elongated has narrow circuit board, which has at least one conductor track.

at the video endoscope according to the invention is the electrical Connection between the imager and the proximal electrical Connection instead of a multi-core cable through at least one formed on a flexible elongated narrow circuit board Track realized. Due to the flexibility of at least a circuit board ensures that the circuit board at a rotation of the image sensor relative to the electrical Twist connection can twist or twist, without - too after a lot of mutual twists - too break, and without breaking the at least one trace. The At least one trace can act as a very thin metallization formed in the rest insulating trained circuit board become. This at least one conductor track or even multiple tracks can be neutral in or near the case of a distortion of the PCB Zone are formed, in which there is a distortion of the circuit board not or almost not in a twist of the track expresses whereby the track is not substantially compressed or stretched becomes.

The Use of at least one printed circuit board as electrical connection between the imager and the proximal electrical connector Furthermore, the advantage that on a circuit board a plurality of printed conductors in the form of thin metallizations, eg. Copper, which can be applied to the Contacting the image receptor are required, such as with CCD or CMOS chips. The use of a plurality of cables or a multi-core cable thus eliminates advantageously.

The PCB also has the advantage of being high at the same time Flexibility a high mechanical stability to own, as well as a temperature stability, the Conditions in an autoclave can withstand well. The realization the electrical connection of the image sensor via at least a circuit board is in comparison to cable systems in terms the production cost also cost, because the elongated flexible circuit board and also the later still too beschrei benden possibly existing PCB parts from a single planar material can be produced.

Also the effort in assembling the invention Video endoscope is through the use of at least one circuit board less because not multiple wires individually with the imager must be contacted, but contacting in a single operation, for example. With a Balkenlötgerät can be done.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one circuit board a plurality of tracks, the side by side and at most are arranged in two levels of the circuit board.

These Measure has the advantage that the at least one circuit board at a maximum of two-ply design very thin may be formed and the tracks in the central zone can be arranged, in which they by the bending stress the at least one circuit board neither significantly stretched nor essential be upset. Because the tracks are linear the printed circuit board can be applied on such a circuit board, a plurality of interconnects side by side to be ordered.

In In another preferred embodiment, the printed circuit board is a first circuit board, and the electrical connection has a second in itself rotatable about its longitudinal direction flexible elongated narrow circuit board, which has at least one conductor track.

Of the Advantage of this measure is that two flexible elongated circuit boards together carry more tracks can act as a circuit board, while keeping both circuit boards narrow in the sense of greater flexibility can be. Narrower circuit boards have turn the advantage that they are easier over the length in the tube of the video endoscope. Two printed circuit boards can be due to their narrower design also easier to integrate into the shaft of the video endoscope, because they are superimposed can be arranged. In addition, it is too take into account that electrical imagers are often two Have rows of lateral Anschlußgins, so that an electrical Connection via two PCB also mechanically better adapted to the conditions of the image recorder.

In In this context, it is preferable if the first and the second PCB in the shaft one above the other and to each other are movably arranged.

These Measure has the advantage that the space in the shaft of the video endoscope by the superimposed arrangement, in which the circuit boards Accordingly, arranged in two levels, can be better used. Due to the mobility of the two circuit boards to each other the flexibility of such a circuit board assembly over a individual printed circuit board not reduced.

In a further preferred embodiment, the second circuit board a plurality of tracks on side by side and in at most two Layers of the second circuit board are arranged.

Also Here again is an advantage that single-layer or at most two-layer circuit boards optimal flexibility and nevertheless have sufficient stability.

In In a further preferred embodiment, the first and the second printed circuit board in the region of its proximal end a flexible bridge connected.

These Measure has the advantage that the two circuit boards over the web, which has conductor tracks to each other electrically can be connected so that only one of the circuit boards with the connection must be connected.

Of the flexible web is preferably located in the handpiece of Video endoscope and is not there to the extent of a twisting strain subjected as the printed circuit boards, which through the shaft through extend.

In a further preferred embodiment closes at least one of the at least one printed circuit board on the proximal side proximal, preferably rigid, circuit board part on, the electrical Carries components.

in this connection It is advantageous that further electronic components for image recorder control, such as for the identification of the image receptor, Length runtime compensation of the video endoscope, gain adjustment, can be integrated into the electrical connection. A rigid design of the circuit board part has the advantage that it is easier to assemble with the components.

there it is further preferred if the proximal board part with another proximal, preferably rigid, printed circuit board part, which carries electrical components, via a flexible Footbridge is connected.

in this connection is advantageous that the number of electrical components, the can be arranged proximally on the circuit board, can be increased, wherein the two proximal circuit board parts advantageously over the flexible web in the handpiece electrically together can be connected.

In an advantageous space-saving arrangement are the two proximal Printed circuit board parts arranged one above the other in the handle.

In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one proximal circuit board part on the electrical connection.

in this connection is advantageous that the electrical connection already at the Production of the complete electrical connection from printed circuit board (s) and proximal plate part (s) can be integrated into it, so that the entire electrical connection pre-assembled as a unit can be installed in the handpiece and the shaft, which reduces the production cost of the video endoscope.

In In another preferred embodiment, the at least one Printed circuit board at its distal end a distal, preferably rigid, Printed circuit board part for contacting with the image sensor.

The distal PCB part serves as an interface to the image sensor, which has the advantage of easy to bewekstelligenden contacting Has.

The or the rigid circuit board parts, as in a further preferred embodiment is provided, in one piece with the flexible printed circuit board made of a planar carrier material be made. So that the or the distal circuit board parts rigid they can be made of the same substrate as the printed circuit board or circuit boards themselves be made, then is reinforced in the region of the distal circuit board parts.

in the Case of two printed circuit boards, each with a distal rigid printed circuit board part The two distal PCB parts can be mechanical and be electrically connected, for example, by two plugged soldered wires to the mechanical strength increase in the area of contact with the image sensor.

In Another preferred embodiment is the distal circuit board part thicker and / or wider than that on the distal PCB part subsequent circuit board.

The Flexibility of the electrical connection must be substantially extending through the shaft portion, ie in the field of be ensured flexible printed circuit board. The distal PCB part, however, is preferably rigid and therefore can thicker and / or wider than that on the distal PCB part connecting de part of the circuit board be formed, thereby the additional assignment of the distal PCB part advantageously made possible with electrical components becomes.

there it is further preferred if the width of the distal circuit board part and / or the width of the at least one printed circuit board in its through the shaft extending portion is at most so large like the width of the image sensor.

in this connection is advantageous that the at least one circuit board with their rigid distal circuit board part or the two circuit boards with their respective distal rigid printed circuit board part for mounting simply from proximal to distal through the shaft of the video endoscope slide, after which they are contacted with the imager can.

In Another preferred embodiment takes the flexibility the at least one printed circuit board from proximal to distal up to the distal circuit board part continuously or in stages.

at This configuration is the at least one circuit board of distal increasingly more flexible proximal, which has the advantage that the Load during the rotation of the at least one circuit board not at the transition point to the rigid distal circuit board part acts, but over an oblong area distributed proximally.

In Another preferred embodiment is the at least one Printed circuit board in one piece from a planar carrier material manufactured.

in this connection is advantageous that the circuit board manufactured inexpensively can be.

As well it is preferred in connection with one of the o. g. embodiments, after which two printed circuit boards are provided, which via a flexible web miteinan connected when the first and the second circuit board and the web connecting them in one piece are made of a planar carrier material.

Likewise, it is preferable, in connection with one of the abovementioned embodiments, according to which the at least one printed circuit board has a proximal printed circuit board part, if the at least one printed circuit board and the at least one proximal circuit board part are made in one piece from a planar carrier material.

in the Case that as in one of the above. Embodiments at least It is a circuit board having a distal circuit board part preferred when the at least one circuit board and the at least a distal circuit board part integrally of a planar Carrier material are made.

In Another preferred embodiment is the aforementioned Support material is a polymeric plastic, in particular polyimide.

One polymeric plastic, especially polyimide, has the advantage of high flexibility or self-twistability, as well such as good insulation properties and weight savings. Polyimide has in particular the advantage of a very high thermal stability at temperatures up to over 200 ° C, what for a sterilization of the video-endoscope in an autoclave very much is advantageous.

alternative to the overall one-piece construction of at least one Printed circuit board and / or the circuit board parts, it is preferably provided that the at least one printed circuit board of a plurality constructed of printed circuit board sections, the different Have flexibility.

To can the circuit board sections of different flexible Support materials be constructed. Likewise in particular the o. g. distal circuit board part and the proximal one Printed circuit board part may be formed as rigid plates, the more stable than the circuit board are and thus better for the assembly especially suitable for electrical components. Especially can be at least one proximal PCB part in a rigid embodiment, in particular in the handpiece easier to install. The contacting of electrical components as well as the contacting of the image sensor on the distal circuit board part and the electrical connection to the proximal circuit board part make it easier via rigid PCB parts.

In Another preferred embodiment is the at least one Printed circuit board in its flexible area of several, preferably built two PCB layers.

While single-layer printed circuit boards have the advantage of a very high flexibility Own, has the multi-layer of printed circuit boards, which also provided in sections can be the advantage of having complex circuitry on the tightest Room can be realized.

Further Advantages and features will become apparent from the following description and the attached drawing.

It It is understood that the above and below to be explained features not only in the specified Combination, but also in other combinations or in isolation are usable without departing from the scope of the present invention.

embodiments The invention are illustrated in the drawings and with reference described in detail hereafter. Show it:

1 a perspective view of a video endoscope according to a first embodiment, wherein parts of the video endoscope have been omitted, and wherein the video endoscope is partially shown in longitudinal section;

1A an enlarged section of a detail of the video endoscope in 1 ;

2 a section of the video endoscope in 1 on an enlarged scale and in longitudinal section;

3 one too 1 comparable representation of the video endoscope in 1 in one opposite 1 changed operating condition;

4 one too 2 comparable representation of the video endoscope in the in 3 shown operating state;

5 a perspective view of a video endoscope according to another embodiment, wherein parts of the video endoscope are omitted and the video endoscope is partially shown in longitudinal section;

6 a section of the video endoscope in 5 on an enlarged scale and in longitudinal section;

7 the video endoscope in 5 in one too 5 comparable presentation, but in one opposite 5 changed operating condition;

8th the video endoscope in 5 in one too 6 comparable representation in the operating state of the video endoscope according to 7 ; and

9 a further embodiment of an electrical connection for the video endoscope in 1 or in 5 ,

In 1 to 4 is a first embodiment of the one with the general Bezugszei chen 10 provided video endoscope. A detail of the video endoscope 10 is in 1A shown.

The video endoscope 10 is used, for example, in the context of minimally invasive surgery to observe a body area inside the body.

The video endoscope 10 according to 2 and 4 an elongated shaft 12 on that in 1 and 3 has been omitted for reasons of clarity. The shaft 12 has a longitudinal axis 14 on. At the proximal end of the shaft 12 has the video endoscope 10 a hand piece 16 on, with the shaft 12 connected is.

In the embodiment shown, the shaft is 12 built from several telescoped tubes, namely an outer tube 18 , a middle tube arranged therein 20 and an inner tube 22 , The construction of the shaft 12 from a plurality of pipes, like here the pipes 18 . 20 and 22 is optional, and the shaft 12 can also be constructed from a single, two or more than three tubes. The inner tube 22 is relative to the other two pipes 18 . 20 around the longitudinal axis 14 rotatable.

At the distal end of the shaft 12 is a lens 24 arranged, the example of two optical elements 26 and 28 having. The objective 24 is an oblique view lens, ie a line of sight 30 of the lens 24 closes with the longitudinal axis 14 of the shaft 12 an angle 32 from ≠ 0 °, in the illustrated embodiment, the angle 32 30 °. The lens is rotatable with the middle and the outer tube 18 . 20 of the shaft 12 connected.

Proximal side of the lens 24 but still at the distal end of the shaft 12 , is still an electronic image sensor 34 arranged. The electronic image recorder 34 is in the embodiment shown with the distal end of the inner tube 22 firmly connected.

Between the lens 24 and the imager 34 may be further optical elements, such as, for example, one or more filters arranged.

The electronic image recorder 34 is formed for example in the form of a CCD or CMOS chip.

The objective 24 forms the observed body area on the image sensor 34 from. The imager 34 converts the received optical signals into electrical signals.

The electronic image recorder 34 is via an electrical connection 36 with an electrical connection 38 , which is here at the proximal end of the handpiece 16 is arranged, connected. The electrical connection 38 is designed as a socket.

The electrical connection 36 is determined by at least one, in the embodiment according to 1 to 4 exactly one flexible elongated narrow circuit board 40 brought about, which in itself about its longitudinal direction, that of the direction of the longitudinal axis 14 corresponds, is rotatable.

As in the enlarged section in 1A is shown, carries the circuit board 40 a plurality of interconnects, in this example four interconnects 40a . 40b on one of their surfaces, which are formed for example as thin copper lines. On the opposite side may be the circuit board 40 carry further tracks.

At a distal end 42 the circuit board 40 closes distally on a distal circuit board part 44 which is rigid or at least stiffer than the flexible circuit board 40 , The distal circuit board part 44 serves for contacting with the electronic image sensor 34 , How out 1 shows, the width B of the circuit board 40 and the distal circuit board part 44 not larger than the corresponding width of the image sensor 34 , The distal circuit board part 44 is how out 2 shows, thicker or stronger than the circuit board 40 , which is designed to be as thin as possible in order to achieve high flexibility.

The circuit board 40 Here is a single layer of a planar support material, in particular polyimide, constructed, wherein the conductor tracks 40a , to 40b For example, vapor-deposited on the carrier material.

The thickness or thickness of the circuit board 40 is preferably 0.02 to 0.3 mm.

The distal circuit board part 44 carries electrical components, such as an amplifier circuit for (pre-) amplification of the image sensor 34 generated electrical video signals.

The circuit board 40 extends through the shaft 12 through to the handpiece 16 , being attached to a proximal end 46 the circuit board 40 a proximal circuit board part 48 followed.

The proximal circuit board part 48 carries other electrical components 50 for controlling the image sensor 34 ,

The proximal circuit board part 48 is again stiffer than the circuit board 40 and in particular may also be rigid, which is the application of the electrical components 50 simplified.

The proximal circuit board part 48 has the electrical connection on the proximal side 38 on, which is designed here as a plug-in contact. The electrical connection 38 is with the proximal board part 48 via a flexible bridge 52 connected.

The circuit board 40 , the distal circuit board part 44 and the proximal board part 48 besides the footbridge 52 can be made in one piece from the same carrier material, wherein the different degrees of flexibility between the circuit board 40 , the distal circuit board part 44 and the proximal circuit board part 48 by appropriate reinforcement of the carrier material in the region of the distal printed circuit board part 44 and the proximal circuit board part 48 can be obtained.

The arrangement of printed circuit board 40 , distal circuit board part 44 and proximal circuit board part 48 However, it can also be designed as a hybrid arrangement, ie the distal and proximal circuit board parts 44 and 48 can be made of a carrier material, in particular a rigid carrier material, while the circuit board 40 can be made of a particularly flexible carrier material, in particular a polymeric plastic, in particular polyimide, wherein the individual plate parts are then connected to each other in a suitable manner, for example by gluing. The plastic can also be thermosetting.

The circuit board 40 is preferably single-ply, and the traces 40a to 40d are arranged in at most two levels of the circuit board, for example, on the two opposite broad sides of the circuit board 40 ,

The circuit board 40 However, it can also be multi-layered, preferably constructed of two printed circuit board layers, which are firmly connected to each other. In the sense of the highest possible flexibility of the printed circuit board 40 However, make sure that the thickness or thickness of the PCB 40 kept as low as possible.

It can also be provided, the circuit board 40 between its proximal end 46 and her distal end 42 with different degrees of flexibility, with flexibility then from the proximal end 46 to the distal end 42 decreases, ie in the region of the distal end 42 is the circuit board 40 stiffer than in the area of the proximal end 46 ,

How out 2 As can be seen, the distal circuit board part is 44 from two printed circuit board sections 44a and 44b built up.

The electronic image recorder 34 is further relative to the electrical connection 38 and to the lens 24 around the longitudinal axis 14 of the shaft 12 rotatable. For twistability here is an actuator 54 provided on the inner tube 22 acts and this around the longitudinal axis 14 of the shaft rotates, causing the imager 34 that with the inner tube 22 is firmly connected, also around the longitudinal axis 14 is turned. By the rotation of the image sensor 34 It is possible to keep the video image displayed on the monitor (not shown) always in a desired orientation with respect to the top, bottom, right and left, ie to align the video image in the desired manner. The imager 34 is in both directions of rotation (clockwise and counterclockwise) about the longitudinal axis 14 preferably rotatable by 180 °.

A rotation of the image recorder 34 relative to the electrical connection 38 now requires a rotation of the circuit board 40 in itself, as in 3 and 4 is shown.

This twist of the circuit board 40 This is made possible by the fact that the circuit board 40 rotatable in itself is designed to be flexible. In 3 the state is shown in which the imager 34 opposite the location in 1 180 ° around the longitudinal axis 14 is twisted. The proximal circuit board part 48 has not or essentially not twisted while the distal circuit board part 44 himself with the image sensor 34 also rotated by 180 °. The tracks 40a to 40d are due to the narrow width B of the circuit board 40 not or hardly stressed on compression and elongation, causing a breakage of the tracks 40a to 40d also in the long-term use of the video endoscope 10 is not to be feared.

The video endoscope 10 points between the outer tube 18 and the middle tube 20 a channel 56 in which run optical fibers for the illumination light, wherein at the proximal end of a port 58 is provided for a light guide cable, not shown, and wherein the light at the distal end of the shaft 12 at a light exit 60 exit.

In 5 to 8th is another embodiment of a video-endoscope 10 ' shown in which with respect to the video endoscope 10 the same or comparable parts are provided with the same reference numerals, supplemented by a '. Below are just the differences from the video endoscope 10 described.

At the video endoscope 10 ' is the electrical connection 36 ' between the imager 34 ' and the electrical connection 38 ' through two printed circuit boards 40 ' and 41 realized in the shaft 12 ' along the longitudinal axis 14 ' lying one above the other are arranged.

To the distal end 42 ' respectively. 43 ' the circuit boards 40 ' and 41 closes again the distal circuit board part 44 ' at.

By using two printed circuit boards 40 ' and 41 can be without broadening of the individual circuit boards 40 ' or 41 ' the number of tracks for the electrical connection between the imager 34 ' and the connection 38 ' increase without the thickness or strength and thus the rigidity of the circuit boards 40 ' and 41 is increased. The circuit board 41 is just like the circuit board 40 ' flexible and rotatable in itself about its longitudinal direction.

The circuit board 41 and the circuit board 40 ' are how out 6 emerges, spaced apart and thus mutually movable, whereby the overall flexibility of the two circuit boards 40 ' and 41 compared to only one circuit board is not or not substantially reduced.

At its proximal end 46 ' respectively. 47 are the printed circuit boards 41 and 40 ' via a flexible bridge 62 connected to each other, the bridge 62 In addition, an electrical connection between the circuit boards 40 ' and 41 manufactures. The proximal circuit board part 48 ' must therefore only with the circuit board 40 ' be electrically connected.

Before installing the circuit boards 40 ' and 41 these are preferably unfolded (see also 9 ), so that they lie in one plane. Here is the circuit board layer 44'a with the circuit board 41 and the circuit board location 44'b of the distal circuit board part 44 ' with the circuit board 40 ' connected. For inserting the circuit boards 40 ' and 41 then they will cross the jetty 62 bent in a superimposed arrangement, as in 6 is shown, wherein the circuit board parts 44'a and 44'b are shifted against each other during insertion, so that they are easier through the shaft (inner tube 22 ) are insertable.

7 shows the video endoscope 10 ' in a state where the imager is 34 ' 180 ° from its location in 6 was twisted. How out 7 and 8th shows ensures the superimposed spaced arrangement of the circuit boards 40 ' and 41 in that they can move relative to one another and twist in each case.

In the embodiment of the electrical connection 36 ' by means of two printed circuit boards 40 ' and 41 These can be used together with the PCB parts 44 ' and 48 ' and the jetty 62 be made of the same planar support material in one piece, or they may be in hybrid construction of different substrates with respect to the circuit board parts 44 ' and 48 ' , the circuit boards 40 ' . 41 be educated.

9 shows a further modification of an electrical connection 36 '' standing at the video endoscope 10 or the video endoscope 10 ' in place of the local electrical connections 36 and 36 ' can be used.

Again, in turn, comparable or the same parts as in the embodiment according to 1 to 4 respectively. 5 to 8th with the same reference numerals, supplemented by "provided.

The electrical connection 36 '' here has two printed circuit boards 40 '' and 41 '' on, with the circuit board 40 '' at its distal end a distal circuit board part 44b '' and the circuit board 41 '' at its distal end a distal circuit board part 44a '' having. In that regard, the arrangement corresponds to the embodiment in 5 to 8th , where the circuit boards 40 '' and 41 '' are still arranged side by side. At its proximal end are the circuit boards 40 '' and 41 '' over the flexible bridge 62 '' connected with each other. In the installed state in the video endoscope 10 or 10 ' becomes the circuit board 41 '' with its distal circuit board part 44a '' around a mirror axis 64 180 ° out of the drawing plane onto the printed circuit board 40 '' folded over so that the resulting arrangement of the arrangement of printed circuit boards 40 ' and 41 according to 5 to 8th equivalent.

The electrical connection 36 '' is different from the previous electrical connections 36 and 36 ' in that the proximal circuit board part 48 '' is constructed in two parts, and that of a first circuit board part 48a '' and a second circuit board part 48b '' , The circuit board parts 48a '' and 48b '' are via a flexible bridge 49 connected to the circuit board part 48a '' and 48b '' not only mechanically but also electrically connected.

On the circuit board part 48a '' is over the flexible bridge 52 '' the electrical connection 38 '' intended.

In the installation position of the electrical connection 36 '' in the video endoscope 10 or the video endoscope 10 ' are the circuit board parts 48a '' and 48b '' around an axis 66 folded up, ie they are then in the handpiece 16 or 16 ' one above the other. Both circuit board parts 48a '' and 48b '' carry thereby the electrical components 50a '' and 50b '' ,

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 20113031 U1 [0002, 0015, 0016]
• - EP 712289 A1 [0010]
• US 5313306 [0011]
• - US 6488631 B2 [0018]

Claims (24)

Video endoscope, with a longitudinal axis ( 14 ; 14 ' ) having elongate shaft ( 12 ; 12 ' ) and a handpiece ( 16 ; 16 ' ) at the proximal end of the shaft ( 12 ; 12 ' ), wherein at a distal end of the shaft ( 12 ; 12 ' ) a lens ( 24 ; 24 ' ) and the proximal side of the lens ( 24 ; 24 ' ) an electronic image recorder ( 34 ; 34 ' ) are arranged, wherein the image sensor ( 34 ; 34 ' ) along one of the shafts ( 12 ; 12 ' ) extending electrical connection ( 36 ; 36 '; 36 '' ) with one on the handpiece ( 16 ; 16 ' ) arranged electrical connection ( 38 ; 38 ' ), and wherein the image sensor ( 34 ; 34 ' ) and the connection ( 38 ; 38 ' ) relative to each other about the longitudinal axis ( 14 ; 14 ' ) of the shaft ( 12 ; 12 ' ) are rotatable, characterized in that the electrical connection ( 36 ; 36 '; 36 '' ) at least one in itself rotatable about its longitudinal direction flexible elongated narrow circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ), which has at least one conductor track ( 40a -D). Video endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one printed circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ) a plurality of printed conductors ( 40a -D), the side by side and at most in two levels of the circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ) are arranged. Video endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the printed circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ) is a first printed circuit board, and that the electrical connection ( 36 '; 36 '' ) a second in itself about its longitudinal direction rotatable flexible elongated narrow circuit board ( 41 ; 41 '' ), which has at least one conductor track ( 40a -D). Video endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that the first and the second circuit board ( 40 ' . 41 ; 40 '' . 41 '' ) in the shaft ( 12 ' ) are arranged one above the other and movable relative to each other. Video endoscope according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the second printed circuit board ( 41 ; 41 '' ) a plurality of printed conductors ( 40a D) which are arranged side by side and in at most two planes of the second printed circuit board ( 41 ; 41 '' ) are arranged. Video endoscope according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the first and the second circuit board ( 40 ' . 41 ; 40 '' . 41 '' ) in the region of its proximal end via a flexible web ( 62 . 62 '' ) are interconnected. Video endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one printed circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ) on the proximal side at least one proximal, preferably rigid, printed circuit board part ( 48 ; 48 '; 48 '' ), the electrical components ( 50 ; 50 '; 50 '' ) wearing. Video endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that the proximal printed circuit board part ( 48a '' ) with a further proximal, preferably rigid, printed circuit board part ( 48b '' ), the electrical components ( 50b '' ), via a flexible bridge ( 49 ) connected is. Video endoscope according to claim 8, characterized in that the proximal printed circuit board parts ( 48a '' . 48b '' ) in the handpiece ( 16 ' ) are arranged one above the other. Video endoscope according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the at least one proximal printed circuit board part ( 48 ; 48 '; 48 '' ) the electrical connection ( 38 ; 38 '; 38 '' ) having. Video endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one printed circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ) at its distal end a distal, preferably rigid, printed circuit board part ( 44 ; 44 '; 44 '' ) for contacting with the image sensor ( 34 ; 34 ' ) having. Video endoscope according to claim 11, characterized in that the distal circuit board part ( 44 ; 44 '; 44 '' ) thicker and / or wider than that on the distal circuit board part ( 44 ; 44 '; 44 '' ) subsequent circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ). Video endoscope according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the width of the distal circuit board part ( 44 ; 44 '; 44 '' ) is at most as large as the width of the image sensor ( 34 ; 34 ' ). Video endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the flexibility of the at least one printed circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ) decreases from proximal to distal, continuously or in stages. Video endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the width of the at least one printed circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ) is at most as large as the width of the image sensor ( 34 ; 34 ' ). Video endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the at least one printed circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ) is made in one piece from a planar carrier material. Video endoscope according to claim 3 and 6, characterized in that the first and second printed circuit board ( 40 ' . 41 ; 40 '' . 41 '' ) and the connecting bridge ( 62 ; 62 '' ) are made in one piece from a planar carrier material. Video endoscope according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the at least one printed circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ) and the at least one proximal circuit board part ( 48 ; 48 '; 48 '' ) are integrally constructed of a planar carrier material. Video endoscope according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the at least one flexible printed circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ) and the at least one proximal circuit board part ( 48 ; 48 '; 48 '' ) are made of different carrier materials or from the same carrier material with different flexibilities. Video endoscope according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the at least one printed circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ) and the at least one distal circuit board part ( 44 ; 44 '; 44 '' ) are made in one piece from a planar carrier material. Video endoscope according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the at least one printed circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ) and the at least one distal circuit board part ( 44 ; 44 '; 44 '' ) are made of different carrier materials or of the same carrier material with different flexibilities. Video endoscope according to one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that the carrier material or the carrier materials are a polymeric plastic, in particular Polyimide, is. Video endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the at least one printed circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ) is constructed of a plurality of printed circuit board sections having different flexibilities. Video endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the at least one printed circuit board ( 40 ; 40 '; 40 '' ) is constructed in its flexible region of a plurality, preferably two circuit board layers.